Terrorism the Smokescreen for Land Grab by the High and Mighty

Post August 5, 2019: Kashmir’s New Normal

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KZINE August 2021 Terrorism The Smokescreen KZINE August For 2021 Land Grab By The High And Mighty from the desk of the editor in chief

Where The Mind Is Without Fear...

August 15, 2021 was a unique day for Kashmir. The Independence Day was a breakaway from the past on many startling and welcome counts. For the first time, the Tricolor flew high on all important installa- tions and structures of historic and cultural significance. Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha hoisted the national flag on a gigantic mast of 100 meters on the historic Hari Parbat Fort in Srinagar. All educational institutions wore a festive look. For the first time in the history of Independent India, the National Flag was hoisted in all schools and colleges in Kashmir Valley. The Education Department had made it mandatory that the Tricolor must be hoisted in every school and college. For the first time, teachers were seen taking part in parades and singing the national anthem. All educational institutions had been asked to take videos of the I-Day celebrations as part of the Azadi Amrit Mahautsav. The video was supposed to be uploaded online on a link provided by the UT Administration. Flag hoisting events were reported from length and breadth of Kashmir Valley. The Tricolour was unfurled for the first time in almost all government offices across Jammu and Kashmir. The demand for the national flag was so high that Kashmir markets ran short of the Tricolour. By evening, various government buildings and monu- ments were lit up in the colours of the national flag. The festivity was charming. Kashmiris went out to look at the beautiful lights on the cool August evening. This Independence Day marked a paradigm shift from the past for the good. Cynics argued that the UT Admin- istration is more interested in optics. At times optics have a vital role to play. It is appropriate to have fresh beginnings in Kashmir. Till very recently, August 14 and 15 would be marked by hartals, protests, hoisting of the Pakistan flag by over- ground workers of terrorist groups, unruly mobs and at times even bloodbaths. Mayhem ruled. Security forces engaged in pitched battles with stone pelters resulting in casualties and injuries to many on both sides, and the toxic cycle of violence. This Independence Day was absolutely incident free. The government decided not to suspend internet services. This was greatly appreciated. For the first, time internet services and SMS remained uninter- rupted and functioned at usual speed. Life went smooth as usual. The flag hoisting at Srinagar’s iconic Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk was followed by a lively cultural program. The 75th Independence Day was unique indeed in Kashmir.

Bashir Assad

A publication of Media Analysis Centre Kashmir A Lehar Initiative

KZINE August 2021 KZINE August 2021 the inside pages K aSHMir’s New Normal razor sharp analysis 2 INCISIVE REPORTING

investigate the terror ecosystem

expose deception Terror 34 We can create Islamic rule under 9 Pawns Indian Constitution iShe kh Ghulam Hassan Former Amir, Jamaat e Islami restoreder or sh la sp The e a Jagirs mak inc of Ali ul d c Jamaat Islami 18 Sagar em ate Kashmir’s ocr Great Cover Up 28 atic After NIA Raids spirit 24 CAMPA Contractual J aMAAT celebrated Staff Woes Taliban win in Afghanistan. The Arrogance Of Does it seek the The Bureaucracy same fate for Kashmir? in J&K 38 OGPENIN KASHMIR’S EYES

KZINE August 2021 KZINE August 2021 Jahaara Wani

Post August 5, 2019 Kashmir’s New U arm Majed Noral m Azmat Ali Mir 2019, some leading interna- by them. tional media houses have made In the urban centers of Kash- Kashmir one of their favourite mir valley, life was 60-80 per- talking points. Lack of any recent normal. In rural Kashmir, Till yesterday, Pakistan was a badge of sponse in Kashmir to the second it was a completely normal day. anniversary of August 5 should Police reports stated that specifi- honour in Kashmir. Today, it is a stigma have been given equal attention cally Srinagar was 50-60 per- nobody wants to carry. ugustA 5 marks the anniversary On August 5, 2021, there was The stigmatization of Hindustan is of the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35 A of the Consti- neither a serious attempt from any tution. It went by peacefully last week. The situation remained side to disturb normal life for the day, a chapter of the past by and large normal in Kash- mir. There were no attempts for nor there was any appetite for protest. Especially since August 5, such initiatives. This raises several by Bashir ASSAD questions about the general KZINE August 2021 KZINE August 2021 mood in the Valley Fiza Nazir Ifanr Fazili sPoint that merit contemplation 1. Does business as usual mean that people have left behind whatever good or bad happened on August 5, 2019?

2. It was only the second anniversary of the abrogation. Presuming that public memory is short lived, has Kashmiri society transformed in just two years to such amazing levels that it has happily reconciled and moved on?

This may emerge as a major area for study by researchers in order to evaluate Kashmir society. What we see is that the opinion leaders from diverse fields of Kashmir – politics to business to legal fraternity – all are en- trenched in the past. They are reluctant to come out of their deceptive fantasies. Srinagar city. The rest were closed. Members of the Kashmiri dias- 3. Can we presume that August 5, 2021 was normal pora sponsored by Pakistan made because the society lacks leadership either in the attempts in the US, UK and EU mainstream or the separatist camp? Is it correct to to organize protests on August 5. assume that currently, Kashmir has no mobilizers? In the UK, some people of Kash- Can we say that mobility has dried up because the mir origin and a group of Paki- law-enforcing agencies have succeeded in contain- stani nationals protested outside ing the political forces that drive mobilization? Indian High Commission. Some ISI backed journalists in exile had started the campaign #Red For 4. For many years, a section of thinkers have at- Kashmir from July beginning. tributed the uncertainty in Kashmir to governance Aafreen Tariq Khan PDP president Mehbooba Mufti deficit. Has the governance improved to such levels has replaced hawkish Syed Ali Shah that people are happy with the LG administration Geelani as the flag-bearer of the and they don’t want any kind of instability? Sehar Ashraf Lone separatist camp. Mehbooba came out to protest the abrogation of 5. Thirty years of violence has devastated normal Article 370 with all of seven party life in Kashmir. It has come with huge human, eco- cent normal. At certain places, workers. nomic and socio-political costs. False hopes and police allegedly compelled shop- Her protest was insignificant be- false dreams have crashed, particularly with the The Indian state has abandoned keepers and other businesses to cause she failed to gather a mass scrapping of Article 370 and 35 A. The Indian state stay open. around her. To summarize the sec- responded to the cost inflicted upon its people by its faulty policies that The KZINE team visited ond anniversary of the revocation Pakistan after 30 long years. Do the calm and com- many busy areas of Srinagar city of the special status of the erstwhile posed streets reflect conflict fatigue in Kashmir? Are perpetuated the status quo in to assess the mood on August 5. state of Jammu and Kashmir, we Kashmiris now conscious of the costs of violence? According to our observation it can say this: There was neither a Kashmir. Those who abused was a 50-50 situation. About 50 serious attempt from any side to power, privilege and patronage per cent businesses were open in disturb normal life for the day, are paying for their deeds KZINE August 2021 KZINE August 2021 5 nor there was any appetite for state. This is the subtle shift. in Kashmir. Those who abused W here such initiatives. This raises sev- If this shift is not adjudged in power, privilege and patronage the eral questions about the general the right perspective, it may be are paying for their deeds. mood in the Valley. confusing or misleading. This is precisely what the Indi- The Indian state has finally State Is There are too many questions, The fact remains that the an state has achieved post abroga- succeeded in defining Wanting not many answers. Kashmir is domination of the separatist tion. This also provides answers homogenous only by faith. Be- narrative has seen a sharp de- to some of the questions raised terrorism in Kashmir. yond that, Kashmir has many cline. Some may argue that it above. There were many truths he state seems to be realities. has ended. Nationalism and pa- about Kashmir when the sepa- This definition has been Twanting in providing triotism is pervasive. It is grow- ratist narrative was dominant. alternate options to the tThe Shif ing substantially on the canvas. There are many truths about accepted by the international existing political struc- This may be because the state Kashmir when the same narra- tures. There is confusion in Kashmir is on the path of course correc- tive is dormant. Globally, peo- community, though with in state policy. At places, An amazing shift has taken tion. There is no appeasement ple tend to identify themselves it seems that there is no place in Kashmir. This can pro- of the eminent faces in the with the dominating discourse certain riders policy at all. The state is vide the basis for a very interest- terror ecosystem. There is no – whether political or violent. lost between embracing ing perspective. hobnobbing with the strategic Starting from August 5, 2019, the old political dispen- Pre August 5, 2019, there assets of Pakistan. For the first there may be less to sation and encouraging was consciousness among some time in 30 years, there is nam- the new political actors. Kashmir observers that Kash- ing and shaming of the people We come across a new miris are collectively separatists who had taken the state for a argument. It goes like or Pakistanis. Secretly they are ride even though they enjoyed this: Abrogation was Indians. After the abrogation of power, privilege and patronage. never meant to wipe out Article 370, collectively Kash- The Indian state has aban- the old political forces. miris are nationalists. Secretly, doned its faulty policies that It was aimed at correc- they hold a grudge against the perpetuated the status quo tion of the political discourse, and the desired political dividends have been realized. This argument merits both study Mir Areiba and introspection.

Ifaanr Bukhari

Sana celebrate for Kashmiris. Imtiyaz On the contrary, there is much for the Indian state to sell to its local audience as well as to the international community. A very important point which may be considered highly encouraging for the Indian state is that it has finally succeeded in defining terrorism in Kashmir. Mujhtaba This definition has been accepted Gull. by the international community, Tabish Khan though with certain riders.

KZINE August 2021 KZINE August 2021 7 6.15 pm , August 5, 2021 We can create Islamic rule under Indian

Iltija Mufti goes happy shopping in Constitution premium Srinagar market complex while Mama Mufti, accompanied by I ndian Constitution is all of seven party workers, among the finest globally, keeps up the rant of unbridled oppression, gross injustice, no choice because it provides but to resist to exist.... freedom of religion M adam Mufti assiduously seeds the negative sentiment in Kashmir while Sheikh Ghulam Hassan

Former Amir, Jamaat e Islami KZINE August 2021 KZINEdaughter August 2021 dearest enjoys the good life 23 these raids. They are without any by Waseem GUL justification because Jamaat is a non-violent, democratic and pro- state organization. These raids have no validity. amaat e Islami In an email press statement, the banning the outfit on “flimsy and In your joint statement, (J&K) has been former Amirs said that Jamaat concocted allegations”. The state- you claimed that Jamaat is a supporting terror- has time and again made it clear ment said that Jamaat is a “peace- democratic organization and ist organizations, that it has no direct or tacit link ful, democratic and transparent” Jamaat believes in democracy. especially Hizb ul with any militant group, and organization. Which democracy do you Mujahideen right insisted that all such allegations “Jamat was made for propagat- believe in? Do you believe in from its inception. against the Jamaat are false. ing Islamic teachings among the Indian democracy? JJeI has also been the strident sup- Sheikh Ghulam Hassan, Ghulam public in its pristine form and for We have democracy in our or- porter of the merger of Jammu Mohammad Bhat and Moham- the social services of the human- ganization which means we have and Kashmir with Pakistan. mad Abdullah Wani, the former ity without any discrimination… no family rule in our organiza- Jamaat became powerful espe- Amirs, claimed that Jamaat has ( Jamaat was made) in particular tion. Jamaat Rokuns (Members) cially after the PDP government never believed in agitational to provide material assistance to elect Amir Jamaat. In this way led by Mufti Sayeed came into politics and never employed any the economically and education- we have democratic setup in our power in Jammu and Kashmir. methods which might disturb the ally downtrodden section of the organization. Every post is filled PDP, which was formed by the law-and-order situation or cause general public from its lawfully through voting, including the former Congress leaders and strife. “Jamaat always employed created resources,” they stated. post of Chief of Jamaat, Majlis E Shora etc. We like democracy in every sphere of life. Democracy is better than dictatorship. If there is no Islamic rule in a country, Yes, we believe in Indian democracy but India claims to then democracy is the best alternative. In be the world’s largest democracy. democracy we can express our own ideas That is not true as India lacks some basic tenets of democracy. freely. Hence we totally believe in Indian Every section of the society is democracy, and this democracy should be not treated equally today. We believe in democracy. We say implemented in letter and spirit that if there is no Islamic rule in a country, then democracy is the best alternative. Democracy is better than communist system of governance and other systems. cadre in Kashmir, pandered propagatory methods, verbal as Distancing the Jamaat from sepa- In democracy we can express to Jamaat and Hizbul Mujahi- well as written, to carry forward ratist politics, the three former our own ideas freely. Hence we deen to win the elections. From its mission, programmes and Chiefs said that the organization totally believe in Indian democ- symbolism like Mehbooba Mufti policies which were beneficial has not been a constituent of the racy, and this democracy should wearing green scarves and abha- for the entire human society. But separatist conglomerate Hurriyat be implemented in letter and ya to the healing touch policy for despite this fact, it was banned Conference for a long time. spirit. militants, PDP did everything to and declared as an ‘unlawful Team KZINE went to Why did you issue the state- get Jamaat’s vote share. association’ a number of times meet Sheikh Ghulam ment claiming Jamaat to be a In a startling and amusing without any rhyme or reason, Hassan in his native peaceful, democratic and non- development some days ago, Ja- leveling such allegations which village Tarigam in violent organization at a time maat e Islami J&K’s three former had no basis but were all against Kulgam for a candid when the government has Amirs (Chiefs) denied having the facts, in total ignorance of the conversation. decided to tighten the noose any nexus with terrorist orga- real situation,” they claimed. The Sir, what is your say with around the Jamaat? nizations. The three Amirs also statement further stated that the regard to the NIA raids on We have written it in the note distanced JeI from any financing “public services of the orga- Jamaat? of our statement that we were of terrorist organizations. nization were ignored” while There is no legal sanction to about to give this statement

10 KZINE August 2021 KZINE August 2021 11 JeI What is your stand with Spokesman called for shutdowns and pro- regard to NIA raids on Advocate tests were different organiza- Jamaat E Islami? tions. We have nothing to do These raids are uncon- ZahidAli in with them. I don’t understand stitutional and baseless. conversation why these allegations are be- These days Jamaat is with wg of ing leveled against Jamaat. banned and we don’t do What is your stand on the any organizational work Team kzine Kashmir issue? now. Everyone is doing It’s the issue of the public. their individual work. I Jamaat has not created it. was jailed in 2019 and Whatever people of J&K say released sometime ago. with regard to Kashmir, we are Organization does not exist now. Before with that only. ban we were working in a transparent If Jamaat accepts the Indian Constitution manner. Any one working now is working and terms it as one of the best The Indian judicial system is one of the in individual capacity. constitutions globally, then why best judicial systems in the world. It should The statement issued by three former don’t the Jamaat leaders contest Amirs that Jamaat is a peaceful, elections under this constitution? always remain like it was in the past democratic and non-violent organization. We contested elections in the past. In Why has this been issued at a time when 1987 I myself contested. The elections the government has decided to tighten its were rigged and we were jailed. So we noose around Jamaat? decided that we will not contest any before the NIA raids. But unfor- also pending in United Nations. amount to separatism. We want We had prepared this statement before more elections till some time. tunately NIA raided us before United Nations has passed several Government of India to solve NIA raids. NIA also took a copy of the If Jamaat claims to be democratic and wecould arrange for a press resolutions with regard to the the Kashmir issue by talking to statement from my house during the raid. non-violent, then why are you more conference. So we decided to Kashmir issue. So Jamaat says Pakistan and the people of Kash- issue this statement after the raids. that this issue should be resolved mir. We want better relations On that very day when NIA raids were inclined towards Jamaat e Islami Pak? A copy of the statement was peacefully. between Pakistan and India. This conducted against us, we had sched- Why don’t you merge with lying at the home of our former In Indira-Bhutto accord, India is not a separatist stand. We want uled a press conference. NIA seized my Jamaat e Islami Hind? Spokesperson Advocate Zahid accepts Kashmir as a bilateral everything to be done peacefully. laptop. This statement is typed in that We don’t know anyone from Jamaat e Ali, which NIA took with them. issue. We don’t say anything Jamaat created militancy in We then circulated the press note on our own. Jamaat says that Kashmir right from the early laptop as well. Islami Pakistan. We know people from among different news agencies. whatever you have said in past at 1990s. The Jamaat got people Jamaat created militancy in Kashmir right Jamaat e Islami Hind as they often come Sir, does Jamaat consider the UN and as per Indira-Bhutto with different political ideologies from the early 1990s and got people with to Kashmir for many reasons and we Kashmir as a disputed terri- accord, solve this issue peacefully. and loyalties killed. How do you tory? What is the stand of Ja- We are being accused of support- defend that? different political ideologies and loyalties share the same boundary. I was jailed maat with regard to Kashmir? ing the merger of Jammu, Kash- Yes, Hizb Ul Mujahideen killed. How will you defend that? before Jamaat was banned. They took America says that if India mir and Ladakh with Pakistan. said in the 1990s that we are the Most of the Jamaat people were in Jails those books, letter pads, other things and Pakistan agree, we will That is wrong. We say it should armed wing of Jamaat e Islami. mediate on the Kashmir issue. be solved as per the aspirations of At this time, top Jamaat leaders in the 1990. We were banned then. We which we were using before the ban and Pakistan is ready for it but India the people of J&K and Ladakh. were in jails. There was no one started work again in 1997 and we were then say we are still working, which is doesn’t agree. This means that Whatever the government of In- outside to refute this. Even if we working till 2019. We never indulged in wrong and baseless. We were peaceful, America also considers Kashmir dia and Pakistan will deem fit, we were out of jails at that time, we any sort of violence. We never called for we are peaceful and we will be peaceful as disputed. The Kashmir issue is will abide by that. This does not could not refute it fearing for our any strike or protest march. Those who no matter what the government will do.

KZINE August 2021 KZINE August 2021 13 ment, under the influence of Jamaat e Islami office misinformation, is acting against NIA Photo courtesy: The Indian us. We use donations collected Express/PTI by us for social causes. We don’t fund terrorism in any way. These Statement things have been admitted by traders federations and differ- Regarding ent political organizations like People’s Conference led by Sajad Gani Lone. During the floods of Raids on JeI 2014, the work done by Jamaat is unparalleled. We can’t get any IA conducted searches at multiple locations other example like that. in 14 districts of Jammu and Kashmir in Ja- Do you believe in the Indian N Judiciary? maat-e-Islami (JeI) Terror Funding Case. NIA along The Indian Judicial system is with JK Police and CRPF conducted searches at one of the best judicial systems 56 locations in Districts of Srinagar, Budgam, Gan- in the world. It should always derbal, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Anant- remain like it was in the past. nag, Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam, Ramban, Doda, Abdul Salam Kumar, one of Kishtwar and Rajouri of J&K. our members Rokun E Jamaat The case was registered by NIA on in February was very active. He was highly 2021 in pursuance the order from Ministry of regarded among all of us. He was a government teacher and Home Affairs relating to separatist and seces- his services were terminated. sionist activities of JeI, an unlawful association He challenged the order in J&K even after its proscription in February 2019. The High Court. The court ruled members of the organization have been collecting in his favour and said that the funds domestically and abroad through donations order is vogue and unconstitu- particularly in the form of Zakat, Mowda and Bait- tional. The government appealed ul-Mal purportedly to further charity and other lives. When Jamaat leaders were her as per law. No individual Jamaat promotes violence and against the order in the Supreme welfare activities. But these funds are instead released and the situation was whatsoever can punish anyone. stone pelting, which is totally Court. The Supreme Court also somehow peaceful, then Jamaat See the youngsters who wrong. Former Jamaat chief Mr ruled in favour of Abdul Salam being used for violent and secessionist activities. chief Mr Ghulam Mohammad indulge in militancy and stone Ghulam Mohammad Bhat held a Kumar. This type of judicial sys- The funds raised by JeI are also being channelised Bhat refuted the statement. He pelting are not mature people but press conference in 1997, where tem is praiseworthy. We expect to proscribed terrorist organizations such as Hizb- said that Jamaat has no concern are sentimental. Mature people, he refuted all these allegations. the judicial system to be like this. ul-Mujahideen (HM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and with any militant organization. religious and other organiza- Thereafter we worked for nearly Do you believe in the Indian others through well organised networks of JeI We never got any one killed. Al- tions do not indulge in these 22 years in a good environment. Constitution? cadres. JeI has also been motivating impression- lah Says in the Holy Quran that things. The government says But the current BJP govern- Indian Constitution is one of able youth of Kashmir and recruiting new mem- “Whosoever kills any innocent bers (Rukuns) in J&K to participate in disruptive person (irrespective of religious belief) it shall be as if he killed secessionist activities. whole of the humanity”. The searches were conducted at the premises of We want Islamic teachings to We were about to release this statement office bearers of the proscribed association, its be prominent among one and members and also offices of trusts purportedly all, so how can we act against before the NIA raids. Unfortunately NIA run by JeI. During the searches today, various the Quran? It is also against our raided us before we could arrange for a incriminating documents and electronic devices constitution. No one has power were seized from the premises of the suspects. to declare anyone guilty. It is press conference. So we decided to issue only the courts that can declare Further investigation in the case continues. this statement after the raids anyone guilty and punish him/

14 KZINE August 2021 KZINE August 2021 15 the finest Constitutions among all the world consti- We don’t fund terrorism in any way. tutions, because it provides freedom of religion. Every During the floods of 2014, the work citizen has right to preach and practice their religion under the Indian constitu- done by Jamaat is unparalleled tion. It treats every religion equally. State has no religion of its own. We like this Constitution as we can preach our religion freely under this Constitution and we can create Islamic rule under this Constitu- tion only. We want Indian iGen Z a aligned JeI Constitution to be imple- J&K to wage proxy mented in letter and spirit. If Jamaat accepts the war against India Indian Constitution and terms it one of the best constitutions in world, eI Kashmir was established by Sa’aduddin and why doesn’t Jamaat con- JMaulana Ahrar a year after Maulana Maududi test elections under this formed Jamaat e Islami Pakistan in Lahore in 1941. Constitution? Historically, Kashmir’s Jamaat e Islami has been We contested parlia- mentary elections in 1971. aligned with Pakistan’s Jamaat e Islami, which is From 1972 to 1984 we separate from Jamaat e Islami Hind. According to contested all the elec- JeI rally in Kashmir Pakistani journalist Arif Jamal, the bond between tions which were conducted in P hotocourtesy: Economic Times/PTI D r Abdul Hameed Fayaz, Jamaat e Islami Kashmir and Jamaat e Islami erstwhile state of J&K. We then chief of Jamaat e Islami J&K formed Muslim Muttahida Ma- anymore. We are not against the gam. We have brotherly terms Pakistan strengthened in 1983 after three years haz (Muslim United Front) and Indian Constitution but due to with him, but ideologically he cratic and non-violent, why of secret meetings and negotiations in Kashmir, contested elections in 1987. Most rigging we gave up elections. is our enemy. If we would have are you more inclined towards of the contestants were from Did Jamaat support PDP in supported PDP, then Tarigami Jamaat e Islami Pak? Why Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Jamaat e Islami. Most of our men the elections? would have never won. This don’t you merge with Jamaat In his book Shadow War, Jamal mentions that won, but central government and We have strong cadre in Kul- indicates that we have always e Islami Hind? Pakistan’s military dictator Gen Zia ul Haq had National conference rigged these gam. From 1996 Mohammad boycotted these elections and not No this is wrong. I served as employed the services of Jamaat e Islami Amir of elections and jailed us. So we Yousuf Tarigami is fighting and supported any political party. Jamaat chief twice. During this decided not to contest elections winning continuously from Kul- If Jamaat claims to be demo- tenure of six years I never talked Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), Maulana Abdul to anyone from Pakistan. Found- Bari to reach out to Jamaat E Islami Kashmir’s ers of Jamaat e Islami J&K have founding Amir (chief) Sa’aduddin. Gen Zia sought H izb Ul Mujahideen said in the 1990s that kept this as a separate organization from Jamaat e Islami Hind. the support of JeI Kashmir to wage a proxy war we are the armed wing of Jamaat e Islami. Several religious organizations against India. are independent like Jamiat Zia’s diabolic plot worked. Jamaat e Islami be- Top Jamaat leaders were in jails at that Ahlihadees. In Kashmir, Muslim time. There was no one outside to refute population I more than any other came the most vociferous supporter of the seces- this. Even if we were out of jails at that time, part of India. We have more sionist ideology in J&K. Separatist hawk Syed Ali avenues of work, and so we kept Geelani was an important member of Jamaat E we could not refute it fearing for our lives this organization as an independent organization. Islami.

16 KZINE August 2021 KZINE August 2021 17 JeI Collects Donations In The by Hares Qadir Name Of Hizbul, Claims Success Chief Editor of POK Newspaper Writes On In Terror Activities, Wears Mask The Duplicity of Jamaat e Islami Of Innocence After State Action amaat-e-Islami in terror activities. There are They have resorted to any form was the orga- also a number of young men in to continue their business. And nization which Pakistan-Administered Jammu they are always ready to go to played a key role and Kashmir who were sent the limit. in organizing from the Hizbul Mujahideen In Indian-administered Jam- terror activi- platform to India. In addition, mu and Kashmir, the Jamaat- ties not only in Jamaat-e-Islami is still active in e-Islami has called for the ban Jthe Afghan cashing in on Burhan Wani as on the organization to be lifted. jihad but later in Jammu and the party commander. They have called JeI a demo- Jamaat Islami Kashmir on religious grounds. Religious parties have used cratic and peaceful religious Even today, under the name terrorism as a business in the political party and stated that of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, name of imperialism. They the party has never had any af- Jamaat-e-Islami not only have targeted innocent youth filiation with any underground collects donations in Pakistan- for being killed by imperialist or militant organization. But Kashmir’s administered Jammu and forces. They have got the youth Jamaat-e-Islami has its own Kashmir but also claims success massacred on a large scale. militant organization. Great Cover Up After NIA Raids

In Pakistan, Jamaat e Islami and other religious parties claim and declare to fight to the last drop of blood against secularism. In India, they declare to fight to the last drop of blood to defend secularism

18 KZINE August 2021 KZINE August 2021 N IA raids in Kashmir. File pic JaeI h s called itself a democratic and peaceful religious political party with no affiliation with any underground or militant group. But Jamaat-e-Islami has its own militant organization

Three former Amirs of the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Muhammad Bhat, Sheikh Muhammad Po t s uring After Hassan and Muhammad Abdullah Wani NIA Raids The three former Amirs of the Jamaat-e-Islami have issued a JaMAAT e Islami: joint press release following the Against Secularism In raids on the organization’s head- N IA raids in Kashmir. File pic quarters by the Indian Investi- Pakistan, For gation Agency (NIA). Ghulam aSei cul r sm in India Muhammad Bhatt (who has administered) Jammu and Kash- with any underground or terror leadership of the party had made been the Amir of Jamaat-e-Isla- mir started in 1989. Jamaat-e- organization without any overt it clear that the party is a peace- n Pakistan, these religious parties claim and mi four times in total from 1985 Islami regrouped its cadre in or covert affiliation. The party ful, democratic and transpar- to 1988, 1997 to 2000, 2000 to 1997 and started its activities has no terror front of its own. ent organization that provides Ideclare to fight to the last drop of blood against 2003 and 2015 to 2018); Sheikh by setting up its headquarters All allegations made by the gov- Islamic teachings to the people secularism. In India, they declare to fight to the Muhammad Hassan (twice at Baran Pathar at Batamalo in ernment and security agencies as a social service and humanity. last drop of blood to defend secularism. In other from 2006 to 2009 and 2009 to Srinagar. were vehemently denied. The press release said that JeI is 2012) and Muhammad Abdul- In a press conference in 1998, It was also clarified that providing financial and edu- words, the ruling classes always use prejudices lah Wani (who was Amir Jamaat Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Ghulam Jamaat-e-Islami has never sup- cational support to the general and sectarianism for their own purposes. Reli- from 2012 to 2015) issued this Muhammad Bhatt clarified ported any illegal or any other public without any discrimina- gious and fascist organizations act as the most joint press release. the organization’s policy and activity that has caused any tion of colour, race, region and The press release said that program. He stated that JeI is a disturbance anywhere. greed, and all these activities important weapon in this work of the ruling Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and peaceful, democratic and politi- The press release said that by are being carried out with the classes. Kashmir was banned in 1990 cally religious organization that answering all the questions of resources obtained through legal after the militancy in (Indian- has a transparent relationship the journalists at that time, the means. It was also said that all

20 KZINE August 2021 KZINE August 2021 21 educational activities are being Log into Kashmir @ carried out under modern trends and modern scientific research and development. Cal im of Innocence

The press release said that the party never believed in the politics of protest, nor did it choose a method that would create a law and order situation or spread chaos on the ground. The party has always used the method of propaganda and the oral or written method to further its mission. Despite all this, the party was banned and

Amer nu b of young men from Pakistan were sent from the Hizbul Mujahideen platform to India. Jamaat-e-Islami is still active in cashing in on Burhan Wani as the party commander

declared an illegal organization. The press release said that cratic practices. Numerous allegations have been through the press conference, it At the end of the press release, made which have no basis and was brought to the notice of the it was said that the message kzine.in these allegations have been made people that the party has always conveyed with utmost respect ignoring the real situation. taken the path of peace and through the press conference Your window to news, views, exposes, scoops The press release also said democracy. It said that it did not is that the party should be that Jamaat-e-Islami was cause any activity for any kind known in its original state and and exclusive features that bring to you formed before the partition of of instability and disturbance it is expected that the ban will Jammu and Kashmir. Jamaat- in public order or threat to the be lifted from the party and the real Kashmir e-Islami is not a product of any security of the state. humanitarian and religious political issue and has not yet The press release also said that political organization. The or- created any such issue. Even if Jamaat-e-Islami has always re- ganization said that it should be a public political issue arose, spected human rights and never allowed to work independently the Jamaat-e-Islami was af- violated human rights. The for the service of humanity so fected because a large number party has never resorted to any that the party can continue its of people were with the party. form of violence or violence, social services and serve the Jamaat-e-Islami split from both but has always been peaceful wider strata of society in the factions of the Hurriyat Con- and supported peaceful demo- Jammu and Kashmir region. ference in 2008 and has not (Hares Qadir is Chief Editor, Daily Mujadila, had any contact with anyone since. Rawalakot, Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir) OGPENIN KASHMIR’S EYES

22 KZINE August 2021 KZINE August 2021 T he Arrogance tion in Kashmir. Is the bureaucrat- by zBisma Na ir ic inefficiency deliberate? If that is the case, then the arrogant Babus ost the abrogation of have even essential services have are part of the ecosystem that does Of The Article 370 in August become inconsequential. Why is not want that Kashmir should be 2019, a curious situ- there chaos and disconnect? normal and Kashmiris should be ation has developed. It is precisely because of this at peace. The bureaucracy lackadaisical attitude of the bu- About political parties and the Bureaucracy P in Jammu and Kash- reaucracy that the people are dis- political actors, we have argued mir is enjoying the fruits of ab- gusted with them. that for decades, they have devel- rogation as much as the political These and many more questions oped huge stakes in the conflict elites of Kashmir were reaping the deserve answers. The allocations machinery, and they never want In J&K benefits of the special status guar- are not poor. But the benefits do peace to prevail in Kashmir. We anteed under the constitutional not reach the common man in have argued that it is the party provision. The bureaucracy has Jammu and Kashmir. This is be- interest, not the national interest emerged stronger than ever before. cause the Babus are in no mood to which dominates the discourse at The situation now is that the bu- improve the governance. the end of the day. But what about reaucracy in Jammu and Kashmir the Babus? They seem to create has become arrogant to the extent Consequences more impediments than resolving that even orders from Raj Bhavan of The Arrogance the issues. D espite Raj Bhavan are ignored or even downplayed of Babus Shockingly, ground reports sug- on one pretext or the other. There gest that the directions from the are hundreds of examples where Unfortunately the Babus don’t Raj Bhavan are not only ignored Babus observe the orders in breach bother about the consequences but disregarded and disrespected than in compliance. of their arrogance on the overall by the officers. The poor are the Thrust, Babus In No The seriousness and sincerity of political scenario of Jammu and ultimate sufferers of this callous- Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Kashmir. They have little or no ness of the Babus. It is amazing Sinha is beyond doubt. Why is idea about the implications of mis- to see that even file work is ham- Mood To Improve the delivery system so poor? Why governance on the ground situa- pered. The elected representa- The situation now is that the bureaucracy in Jammu and Kashmir has become arrogant to the extent that even orders from Raj Bhavan are Governance ignored or even downplayed on one pretext or the other. There are hundreds of examples where Babus observe the orders in breach than in compliance

CAMPA staff suffering, grievances not redressed by Forest Department KZINE August 2021 KZINE August 2021 Prol b ems of CAMPA The seriousness and sincerity of Lieutenant Governor Contractual Staff Shri Manoj Sinha is beyond doubt. Why is the delivery Take for instance the contractual system so poor? Why have even essential services Shall Be Resolved Soon, appointees in CAMPA (Compen- satory Afforestation Fund Man- have become inconsequential. Why is there chaos Assures Department agement & Planning Authority) and disconnect? It is precisely because of this Cell. CAMPA is part of the Office KZINE took up the problem faced by the CAMPA contractual of Principal Chief Conservator of lackadaisical attitude of the bureaucracy that staff with the Office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Forests, the Forest Department of and HoFF, J&K Forest Department. The following is the commu- Jammu and Kashmir. the people are disgusted with them nication received from the department.

“Dear Sir, This is w.r.f your email dated 12.08.2021 regarding release of T he Contractual 8 in most cases, are paid higher to the CAMPA staff, and paying Sources reveal that more than wages of casual Watch & Ward and need based persons under Appointments salary of Rs 45000 per month. them total of Rs 72 lakhs. One Rs 1100 crore have accumulated CAMPA. Terms of engagement including wages of casual watch Of CAMPA Since the government refused Technical Assistant Massarat has in the public account of CAM- and ward and other need based persons under CAMPA are regu- to regularize the services of the 2 PGs and one PhD. She is more PA. With average annual interest lated in accordance with the Compensatory Afforestation Fund In 2012, J&K Government Forestry graduates or post-grad- qualified than the individuals at rate of 5 per cent on the deposits (CAF) Rules, 2018. The budget for such wages is included in advertised about 50 vacancies in uates, six of them resigned. Now the top rungs of the Forest De- around Rs 55 crores is estimated. the Annual Plan of Operation (APOS) of CAMPA for the relevant CAMPA on contractual basis. only six Technical Assistants are partment. Despite this, Massarat Of this, 60 percent of the amount, financial year. As per the CAF Rules, 2018, the APOs are required Vacancies were advertised twice on the payroll of CAMPA, in ad- is not getting her due because of viz. Rs 33 crore can be utilized on to approved by the Executive and Steering Committees of in several newspapers including dition to 45 clerks, accountants, the negligent attitude of the pow- salaries/wages of CAMPA staff as CAMPA and finally by the National Authority, Ministry of Environ- the largest circulated Daily Ex- drivers, computer assistants etc. ers that be. per the rule 6 (a) of the Compen- ment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. celsior and Greater Kashmir. After satory Afforestation Fund Rules The approval of the National Authority, for APO of 2021-22 has a year-long process, some 50 or Poor Salaries For CAMPA 2018. been received only for the time-bound afforestation related ac- 60 candidates were selected by a Contractual Contractual Staff Currently, the wages of the staff tivities. Their approval for infrastructure related activities, which highest level committee headed Staff Despite Huge Has To Run From are met from the same source. includes wages of the said categories of persons is awaited as by Principal Chief Conservator Assets of CAMPA Pillar To Post For Creation of posts the Authority could not examine the detailed activities of various of Forest. The candidates selected Salary under CAMPA are based on the State Authorities, including Jammu and Kashmir CAMPA due to and appointed on contractual basis J&K CAMPA has Rs 1100 crore same fund source, but these funds disruption caused by the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. as Technical Assistants included in the bank. Every year interest The CAMPA contractual staff is mostly remain unutilized. The approval of the National Authority expected to be receive 12 candidates who were BSc For- of Rs 60 crore is accrued on it. never paid on the first of a month. It is alleged that there have been soon, and the wages will be released thereafter. estry, MSc Forestry or PhD in Under CAMPA rules, the gov- After they shuttle between dif- only a few recruitments of Forest- Forestry. For years together, these ernment has to spend Rs 33 crore ferent offices, they get wages for ry graduates as ACFs/Range Of- Signed contractual employees are paid a (60 percent of annual interest ac- five or six months. They have been ficers in Forest and Forest-related Sarvesh Rai, IFS Addl. Pr. Chief Conservator of Forest/ measly salary of Rs 20,000 per cumulation) on the salaries of the paid only once during the Covid departments in J&K in the last 40 Chief Executive Officer month. Even the Class 4 employ- CAMPA staff. But sadly, the gov- pandemic since March 2020, that years because of political misrule. J&K State CAMPA ees of the department, who may ernment is denying enhancement too on directions from the Raj The regularisation recommenda- be illiterate or educated up to Class of wages as well as regularisation Bhavan. This denial of wages is tion of the contractual employees in gross violation of the Prime was sent to the Government by Minister’s commitment that no the PrCCF office in 2016 vide let- tives like members of the DDCs, government employee shall suffer ter No. PCCF/NG/450/II/1270 BDCs, Sarpanches and Panches on account of salary during the dated May 30, 2016. are subjected to humiliation. The pandemic. The recommendation was based otherwise petty matters become According to the CAMPA Fund on the high qualification of the intractable. Rules (Rule 6), interest accrued on concerned staff and the experience It is not just the general public the deposits in the State Fund shall gained in the field. Unfortunately, which is suffering. Government be utilized. Rule (6a) provides that there has been no positive action. employees who are working as not less than 60 percent of the ac- Almost all these contractual em- daily wagers on contractual bases crued interest shall be utilised on ployees have crossed the age bar are also paying the price for being forest and wildlife conservation of 40 years. This makes them poor and on the edges of the social activities, and for meeting salary ineligible for all regular govern- strata. There are hundreds of such and allowances of regular and con- ment recruitments in Jammu and employees who are without wages tractual staff of CAMPA. Kashmir. or are suffering on other accounts.

26 KZINE August 2021 KZINE August 2021 27 r gThe Ja i s of Ali Sagar 3 kanals, 18 marlas plus 6 marlas - Sagar’s Palatial Residence Adjoining Airport Made On Ghair Mumkin Land Terrorism The Smokescreen For Land Grab By The High And Mighty KZINE August 2021 KZINE August 2021 by Bismanz Ma oor progress on retrieval on record only where petty farmers and landless he UT Kashmiris have encroached upon administra- state land. Big sharks are not being tion recently touched. ordered the So we now have a situation evacuation where the land grab by leaders and retrieval of National Conference, People’s of state and Democratic Party and other politi- communityT land illegally and cal players is commonly known. unlawfully occupied by the land They have illegally and unlawfully mafias. Ditto to what is observed occupied state and community across the Indian sub-continent, land, but nobody is daring the bell the land mafia in Kashmir the cat. includes politicians, businessmen Take for instance the land grab and politico-religious organiza- by National Conference General tions like Jamaat e Islami. Secretary and former minister Ali The field officers of the Mohammad Sagar. The NC leader revenue department have been has illegally occupied large chunks directed to identify, demarcate of state land in Budgam district. and retrieve such government and community properties. But Beamn i Properties on ground, the execution and Aplenty implementation of the order has hit road blocks. The reason is Ali Mohammad Sagar has huge obvious. The same officers who benami properties in Budgam, are responsible for making false Charar e Sharief and BK Pora entries in revenue records and al- tehsils in Budgam district. The lowing the mafia to occupy state revenue officials of the area and and community land cannot be also the top officialdom are aware the guardians. For the sake of eyewash, Tehsildars and other revenue officials are showing some kind of A ammali Moh d Sagar: Kashmir’s Political Elite errorism has served as a useful smokescreen for land grab in Kashmir. The state has remained focused Ton monitoring and controlling stone-pelting, street protests and terror attacks. In the meanwhile, blatant Ali Sagar has huge benami occupation of government and community land has continued unchecked. The land mafia, which usually properties in Budgam, involves the high and mighty, has been happily accommodated by revenue officials, who are usually Charar e Sharief and BK hand-in-glove with looters. No concrete steps have been taken to identify and question the looters of state and community-owned property. Pora. He has an impressive While Kashmir remained on the boil, the political elites greedily encroached upon state land, community list of properties registered land, grazing land and the like. In order to make sure that their unlawful acts went unchecked, they created a in the name of his wife Mst web to cover their wrongdoings, and showcase it in a manner that seems legally correct. At some places, the Saleema and son Salman entire revenue map was redesigned so that the encroached land is shown as registered property (milkiyat). Then list of political land grabbers is long. A typical case is that of former MLA Khanyar and senior National Ali Sagar. In addition, Conference leader Ali Mohammad Sagar, son of late Ghulam Qadir, resident of Nawabazar, Srinagar. Sagar Sagar Senior has many consecutively won the Khanyar Assembly segment. From the beginning, Sagar has maintained the image properties registered in the of the gentle NC loyalist. Sagar was Minister For Rural Development in the Omar Abdullah Cabinet. He was name of his distant relatives appointed as National Conference General Secretary in 2014. In a rally in June 2019, Sagar called terrorists Burhan Wani and Zakir Musa martyrs. and friends in Budgam and KZINE August 2021 KZINE August 2021 Srinagar districts of these benami properties. But encroachment of state land, and Number 1015 on which the no one is bothered to hold an wrong entries have been made in house has been constructed. enquiry into the scam and hold the revenue records. According According to revenue officials, Sagar accountable. to revenue officers, Salman Ali additional six marlas have been Sagar has an impressive list of Sagar is in possession of 40 kanals encroached by Sagar beyond the properties registered in the name of land which include state land specified 3 kanal 18 marlas. of his wife Mst Saleema and son at Charar e Sharief. The encroachment of state Salman Ali Sagar, the former and other community land by Mayor of Srinagar and incum- Lna d Grab the political class has largely bent youth president, JK National With Style gone unchecked in Jammu and Conference Kashmir. Kashmir. The recent order issued In addition, Sagar Senior has Amazing as it is, the huge by the UT Administration for many properties registered in the palatial house constructed by demarcation and retrieval of state name of his distant relatives and friends in Budgam and Srinagar districts. According to senior revenue officials, the property housing the district godowns of Food Corporation of India (FCI) at Chandpora in Budgam district belong to Ali Mohammad Sagar. This property is registered in the name of his distant relative Abdul Majeed, a resident of Bemina, Srinagar. Likewise, Sagar owns a huge benami property along the Nowgam-Lasjan bypass near Padshahi Bagh. This too is registered in the name of some distant relative. Senior revenue officials told KZINE that both benami properties include Ali Mohammand Sagar close land has not stopped the land to the main gate of Srinagar mafia from the illegal occupa- International Airport has come tion of such properties. KZINE up on state land. Revenue records learnt from reliable sources that accessed by KZINE reveal that there are efforts by the land mafia this grand house has been con- to get false entries in the revenue structed on Ghair Mumkin land. records .Glaring instances of false The property housing the The land measuring 3 kanals entries have been reported from and 18 marlas under Khasra Srinagar, Ganderbal and Bud- district godowns of FCI Number 1015 is registered in the gam districts during the last few at Chandpora in Bud- name of Mst Saleema, wife of Ali weeks. The land mafia is busy in gam district belong to Ali Mohammad Sagar, resident of warming the palms of revenues Nawabazar, Srinagar. officers so that illegal property Sagar. This property is Spot verification revealed that holders cannot be faulted in the Safa Marwah Medical Centre, Soura registered in the name of Sagar has further encroached records. The LG administration Safa Marwah Medical Centre at Iqbal Colony, Soura, is secretly jointly his distant relative Abdul upon state land facing the airport needs to ensure that the orders road. Office-cum-guard room are not diluted by the vested owned by Dr Nazira Farooq and Salman Sagar. The Medical Centre was Majeed, a resident of has come up beyond the Khasra interests. inaugurated in 2015, but Sagar’s involvement was never made public Bemina, Srinagar

32 KZINE August 2021 KZINE August 2021 33 by Bismaz Na ir Terror n early August 2021, Adil Farooq, a sub-editor with CNS, a Kashmir news agency, was arrested in Lal Chowk with two grenades. Adil is suspected to be one of the accused in the August 10 grenade attack in which about 15 people were injured. IThe incident reflects the dark realities of Kash- Pawns mir. An over ground worker of a dreaded terrorist organization was operating in the garb of a journalist in an area under heavy surveillance and manned by CRPF troopers 24X7. Adil Farooq is a prime example of terror module inside the security picket. Those who had decried Adil’s arrest in 2019 actually encouraged him to continue to preach and practice a radicalized ideology. Men like Adil are being conveniently used as terror instruments by anti-India camps and Pakistan’s strategic assets in Kashmir and globally. HOTHE C R NOLOGY February 2019

Adil Farooq, a student of Journalism at the area. He helped terrorists with safe transportation Central University of Kashmir is arrested. He is of arms and ammunition through unconventional booked under Public Safety Act (PSA) on charges routes and away from security forces of working as an over ground worker of terrorists. Adil has been helping terrorists with the smug- ahaBrouh Over Adil’s Arrest gling of weapons to surpass security checks. He is also a courier for Jaish-e-Mohammed ( JeM), and is Terror apologists describe Adil’s arrest as in touch with terrorists. He is kept under arrest at onslaught on freedom of media and freedom of ex- Kot Balwal jail in Jammu. pression. So-called “liberal-secular” media rushes to absolve Adil Farooq of charges that he has been Po lice Dossier on Adil supporting terror networks. The so-called repres- sion by the state is widely decried by anti-India The dossier exposes Adil’s links with terror camps. Pressure is sought to be built to honourably organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba and several terrorists release the over-ground worker of a terror organi- Journalist Working as associated with the group. It states that Adil met zation. various terrorists and developed a militant ideol- Mirwaiz Umar Farooq condemns Adil’s arrest, ogy. He established a link with Hurriyat leader and claims that the man has been falsely booked Bilal Gani Lone, under whose instructions he re- under PSA. mained proactive in instigating the same ideology OGW for Terrorist Group amongst the people and youth of the area. Adil April 2020 had liaison with a terrorist named Mohd Ayoub Lone, alias pilot of banned terrorist organization Adil is released. Some months later, Adil joins Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and his other terrorist as- CNS, a major news agency of Kashmir as sub- Exposes Kashmir’s sociates. He was aware of the topography of the editor.

KZINE August 2021 Dark Realities KZINE August 2021 35 Log into Kashmir @ ‘eDSP Khr w Gave Green Signal for kzine.in Adil’s Appointment’

KZINE spoke to Rashid Rahie, owner of CNS News Agency regarding Adil’s re-arrest by the police

Sir, what your comments on the arrest of your sub editor Adil Farooq, who was recently held with two grenades? Adil was outwardly the same as other employees in the agency. His interaction with us Markets deck with up favourite foods. Here, a vendor sells finni, a delicious was limited only to the office. His behavior did not reveal that his intentions could be harmful to the society. Even parents of such elements are not able to judge whether their accompaniment to Kashmir’s famous noon chai, the salted pink tea child is choosing the wrong path. How could we imagine that he would indulge in such activities?

Were you aware of Adil’s past history, that he was booked under PSA in 2019 on charges of supporting terror networks and helping the militants in transporting arms and ammuni- Your window to news, views, exposes, scoops tions? Initially we were unaware of this fact. As soon we got to know about the PSA, we verified and exclusive features that bring to you his character and behavior after his release from jail. The concerned Deputy Superinten- dent of Police of Khrew sent his positive comments about Adil’s behavior. He verified to the real Kashmir us that Adil had not indulged in any activity that could prove harmful for the society. Ad- ditionally, we also enquired about his activities and intentions from the concerned Army officer from Khrew. The officer also gave us green signal.

How long has Adil been working in your agency? What is his role? Adil has been working with us since six months on paid internship.

36 KZINE August 2021 OGPENIN KASHMIR’S EYES KZINE August 2021 As Afghanistan Reels

J aMAAT celebrated Taliban win in Afghanistan. Does it seek the same fate for Kashmir?

by G M MIR KZINE August 2021 KZINE August 2021 Vuicio s, Savage Terrorists Presented As Role Models With Taliban fast captur- cThe Des ent In Kashmir ing Afghanistan, thousands Gen Hamid Gul For Kashmir Society are desperately seeking asy- The retreat of the erstwhile USSR from Afghan- amaat e Islami, as a theological fountainhead, lum abroad. The country istan in 1989 marked the transition of Kashmir called upon Kashmiris to wage a sacred war is now left at the mercy of valley from a composite pluralist society to an ex- J against secular democratic India to establish the dreaded medieval Taliban tremist exclusivist one. The events that unfolded W Caliphate. As usual, the Jamaat cadres shall deny terrorists. Fortunate are the women who have after the pull out of USSR from Afghanistan had a managed to flee Afghanistan. For Taliban, the direct impact on the Kashmir situation. their involvement in any such emotive exploitative women exist only for progeny and no other role. The Afghan warlords were made out to be he- provocations. There are hundreds of audio-visuals This reminds me of how Islamist extremists, and written articles where the jubilant Jamaat lead- particularly Jamaat e Islami celebrated the take- Jamaat e Islami used ership provoked the Kashmiris to follow the path of over of Afghanistan by Taliban in the past. They Afghan mujahideen. celebrated the Talibanization of Afghanistan as the Afghan theatre as a In their official mouthpiece Azaan, Jamaat writ- an anti-imperialist project. For them, the Taliban shiny new play to entice ers and orators instigate the younger Kashmiris to advancement was and continues to be a just war in go Afghan way. Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and then the cause of Islam. the Kashmiris with. ISI chief General Hamid Gul were the two most Jamaat e Islami is proscribed in Kashmir. Hence They made the Afghan favourite heroes for Jamaat e Islami in Kashmir. it shall not come out to give sermons calling upon story some kind of They would raise slogans like Tera Yaar Mera Yaar, people to celebrate the victory of Taliban and fol- Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. Supernatural acts of Afghan low their path. But in the heart of hearts, they are utopia that Kashmir mujahideen were narrated to Kashmiris in mosques. happy over the happenings in Afghanistan. They were made to believe that Gulbuddin and should aspire for Hekmatyar other mujahideen destroyed tanks of enemies by throwing handful of sand towards them. This indoctrination was the turning point in the history of Kashmir. Violence erupted.

roes. They became the centrifugal force in trans- Jamaat e Islami called forming Kashmir. How the decline impacted the upon Kashmiris to wage progressive Afghanistan society was never dis- cussed. Jamaat e Islami used the Afghan theatre a sacred war against as a shiny new play to entice the Kashmiris with. secular democratic They made the Afghan story some kind of utopia that Kashmir should aspire for. India to establish While the bizarre of Afghanistan was wrapped in the Caliphate. There fantasy for Kashmir, Afghan women were forced to become sex slaves for the Taliban. Tragically, are hundreds of Afghan history is repeating all over again. As the audio-visuals and Taliban surge forward, Afghan women, particu- written articles where larly the educated ones, are fearful for their life and modesty. With the noise of roaring guns, hearts the jubilant Jamaat sink, the chest becomes heavy, knees bend and eyes leadership provoked lose the ability to see. Only the Afghan women know what Taliban-controlled Afghanistan shall the Kashmiris to mean for them. The return of Taliban will be cel- follow the path ebrated only by those with a medieval mindset. They too shall be responsible for whatever is in of Afghan mujahideen store for a Talibanized Afghanistan.

40 KZINE August 2021 KZINE August 2021 41 Log into Kashmir @ kzine.in

Bhand Pather is an age-old traditional folk theatre of Kashmir. It is usually held in open spaces. In this interesting theatre form, there are no predetermined scripts. The bhand actors are skillfully roped into the play. They weave contemporary religious, social and political issues into the act. The stories are narrated in such a manner that every performance has something fresh for the audience. Mimicry, realism, satire, and comedy are brought into play and messages are conveyed to the audience cleverly via the medium of performing art (iwmbuzz.com)

Your window to news, views, exposes, scoops and exclusive features that bring to you the real Kashmir

KZINE August 2021

OGPENIN KASHMIR’S EYES